Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP)

The Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) provides solutions for small communities for a variety of needs, and is part of the nationwide Rural Community Assistance Partnership network. Great Lakes RCAP serves a seven-state region that includes Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Great Lakes RCAP Services by State

New — Planning for Pandemics Toolkit

In response to growing concern over the global spread of the coronavirus that may reach the level of a pandemic outbreak, the Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) has developed a Planning for Pandemics Toolkit for small water systems to help prepare for a pandemic. The toolkit includes informative flyers on the coronavirus and sanitation, as well as and a continuity of operations plan template that can be used to prepare for any pandemic (coronavirus, influenza, etc.).

It's always best to be prepared! Should your operator or other key personnel fall ill, how will your water or sewer system continue to operate? RCAP offered a short webinar in March to explain how small water and sewer systems can develop a plan for pandemics and other illness-related conditions.

Ohio rural homeowners who need to repair or construct new wells may be eligible for a low-interest loan through the Household Water Well Program (HHWWP).
Administered by the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP), HHWWP offers an up to $11,000 loan for water-well construction or repairs. Loans carry an interest rate of 1 percent. Loan maturity may not exceed 20 years and will depend on the borrower’s repayment ability. Borrowers will be responsible for associated loan costs such as recording and other fees.